Virginia Travel Guide and State Map

Virginia Byways
Blue Ridge Parkway - Botetourt County

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds its way along Botetourt County's eastern boundary. Some 35 miles of the country's longest National Park (470 miles long) provide scenic vistas, overlooks, picnicking and hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is accessible at US 460 in Blue Ridge, via Rt. 43 east from Buchanan and for the adventuresome, via Rt. 618, a state gravel road that connects with the Parkway at Powell's Gap near Peaks of Otter. Peaks of Otter offers lodging, camping, picnicking, a fabulous restaurant, visitor's center, hiking, a restored 19th-century Appalachian homestead, and a climb or ride to Sharp Top (3,864 feet) for a spectacular view in all directions. Peaks of Otter is 9 miles east of Buchanan via Rt. 43 and the Parkway.

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